lupus

lupus

On January 12, more than 20 San Diego County craft brewing companies committed to producing beers to raise funds in support of Lupus research and awareness. Beer to the Rescue was created by Brandon Hernandez, a San Diego-based beer journalist who was diagnosed with Lupus in 2014.

lupus1Hernandez was quoted by the Lupus Foundation of Southern California (LFSC), saying, “[Lupus] affects a large number of people in the U.S., yet there isn’t even a test to determine whether someone has Lupus, nor are there Lupus-specific drugs to help people live with this lifelong condition. This needs to change and, thanks to the compassion, energy and generosity of the craft breweries participating in Beer to the Rescue, 2015 holds a great deal of promise for those so ably assisted by the LFSC and the positive initiatives the agency is integrally involved with.”

In an effort to support the Beer to the Rescue campaign, The Factory Gastrobar will host its own event benefitting the LFSC on Wednesday, March 25 at 5:00PM.

“The craft beer world is a tight knit group of folks and when someone as prolific as Brandon Hernandez rallies for a cause… his craft beer tribe is quick to support,” said Natalie Gutenkauf, owner and chef of The Factory Gastropub in Bixby Knolls.

“When I opened The Factory Gastrobar,” she continued, “one of the things that was so exciting for me was that I had my own venue to make a difference. After my daughter went through her brain tumor ordeal, fundraising for the sick, and especially sick children, became even more important to me.”

Gutenkauf’s husband, Eric, is the sales director for the new Barley Forge Brewing Co. while Kevin Buckley, head brewer of Barley Forge, was asked by Aztec Brewing if he wanted to collaborate for the Beer to the Rescue campaign. According to Natalie, “Buckley only had to ask, ‘When do we start brewing?’”

The Factory will be featuring an Imperial White IPA Collaboration with Costa Mesa-based Barley Forge Brewing Co. and San Diego-based Aztec Brewery. Wind down after a long day’s work with this 95 IBU, 8% ABV Imperial White IPA using Polaris, Galaxy and Nelson Hops, knowing that part of the proceeds will be headed toward the LFSC to help the nonprofit organization continue spreading awareness of the disease to the public as well as to healthcare professionals.

“I am one of the few establishments that is able to get my hands on this special beer and be a part of something that is bigger than just The Factory. I never thought The Factory would be so involved in the community and fundraising events when I first opened… but, isn’t it awesome that I can facilitate so much good while doing what I love?!”

If you can’t attend the event at The Factory, you can donate to LFSC here or check out the LFSC website here for more information. For updates regarding the event, check the Facebook Page here and check out the Factory Gastrobar’s Facebook Page here

The Factory Gastrobar is located at 4020 Atlantic Ave.

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Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].